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SINGAPORE – Singapore’s main business district was a fairyland of lights on Friday night (November 13) when President Halimah Yacob, with the push of a button, activated the annual Christmas lighting on Orchard Road at 7:30 a.m. p.m.
The shopping street, adorned with snowflakes, mistletoe, and holly ornaments, sparkled with nearly 50 km of LED streetlights stretching from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura.
With the Love This Christmas theme, this year’s lighting is a quieter affair due to the reduction of street activities, amid the coronavirus pandemic, to minimize crowds and ensure the safe health of shoppers.
But the festivities will continue virtually, and viewers at home will be able to experience “driving” along the 2.9 km stretch of Orchard Road on a virtual tour with 360-degree views.
The lighting ceremony, held in the outdoor space at the entrance to Ion Orchard, was in support of the Community Chest (ComChest), with more than $ 1.6 million donated by corporate donors and individuals.
The money will benefit more than 80 social service agencies and 200 social service programs supported by ComChest.
For the first time, 13 CapitaLand shopping malls in Singapore will also have their own lights to bring the Christmas spirit to the heart of Singapore.
The holiday lights on Orchard Road will be turned on nightly from now until January 1 of next year.
They will be on from 6.30 pm to midnight (Sunday to Thursday); From 6.30 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Friday and Saturday) and from 6.30 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve).
White and gold baubles and Christmas decorations will brighten the trees and streetlights along Orchard Road. And a 14m high main arch, adorned with several gleaming reindeer, will span the junction of Orchard Road and Paterson Road.
The lighting, which turns 37, is organized by the Orchard Road Business Association.
Its president, Mark Shaw, declined to disclose this year’s budget, citing confidentiality agreements.
However, he emphasized instead that the aim of the event is to lift spirits in a challenging year in which Singaporeans are also unable to travel during the end of the year holidays.
ComChest President Phillip Tan said: “We may be physically separated by Christmas lights this year, but the community feels closer than ever, thanks to the uniting effort of our partners who have committed their resources to help raise funds for our social service agencies.
“The pandemic will not diminish our spirit of solidarity.”
Ms Nurshahidah Wee, 33, described the Christmas decorations on Orchard Road as “modest and minimalist.”
“It has a homey atmosphere and maintains the Christmas tradition despite Covid-19,” said the fitness trainer.
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